Galapagos Starts Phase 1 Study

Galapagos NV has announced the start of a Phase 1 study with potentiator GLPG2451 for cystic fibrosis (CF). Following GLPG1837, GLPG2451 is the second potentiator compound inGalapagos’ extended CF-portfolio to enter clinical trials. Galapagos is conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study over a range of doses of GLPG2451 in healthy volunteers in Belgium and the Netherlands and expects topline results in Q4 2016.

The start of this Phase 1 study triggers a $10 million milestone payment from AbbVie under the recently expanded global collaboration agreement. Galapagos and AbbVie aim to develop a triple CFTR combination therapy to address 90% of patients with CF. In order to bring a more effective therapy to patients, the companies have developed multiple candidates and backups for each of the three components of a potential triple combination. GLPG2451 is the second potentiator and the third compound in the portfolio to enter the clinic.

Potentiator seriesGLPG2451 is the second potentiator candidate to enter clincial evaluation. Galapagos is recruiting for the SAPHIRA exploratory Phase 2 program with the first potentiator, GLPG1837, in patients with G551D and S1251N mutations. Results from the SAPHIRA program are expected in the second half of 2016.

Early binding (C1) corrector seriesDosing to humans of GLPG2222, the first early binding corrector in Galapagos’ portfolio, started in January 2016. Galapagos is conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study over a range of doses of GLPG2222 in healthy volunteers in Belgium and expects topline results in Q2 2016. Earlier this year, Galapagos announced selection of preclinical candidate GLPG2851, an additional early binding corrector.

Late binding (C2) corrector seriesGalapagos announced selection of the first late binding corrector GLPG2665 last year and selection of an additional late binding corrector in the same series, GLPG2737, this year. Galapagos expects to enter Phase 1 with one of these late binding correctors in healthy volunteers in the second half of 2016.

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